A spokesperson for Big Brother commented: "Lewis has been removed from the Big Brother House for unacceptable language that contravenes the rules. Lewis has left the House with immediate effect."

Big Brother has not revealed just what Lewis said as it stands and that's led to a lot of speculation.

Keen to downplay all the rumours, Lewis' friends and family have taken to Twitter.

In a message posted via Lewis' fan account, which they have been looking after, they wrote: "Please do not believe all the allegations that Lewis was asked to leave due to RACIAL, SEXUALITY or HOMOPHOBIC comments.

"I can confirm this was NOT what happened. He’s fine and in good spirits and once he’s caught up with his family he will be reaching out to you all x x x"

The account previously claimed that the incident involved a conversation with Brooke Berry and Cameron Cole.

However Channel 5 has not yet officially confirmed the circumstances of Lewis' removal.

Instead, in Friday's show, they aired the moment Lewis was removed via the Diary Room.

Before exiting, Lewis told Big Brother he was "devastated".

"I didn't mean to offend anyone, it was a slip of the tongue. I never once tried to offend anyone or hurt anyone's feelings. It's unacceptable," he said. "I'm not ashamed of myself because I didn't try to offend anyone, it was just a slip of the tongue.

"Unfortunately for me my bad language and misuse of certain phrases and certain words has exploded in my face. I would apologise to anyone who I've upset.

"I've never meant to upset anyone or hurt anyone's feelings or disrespect anyone from any background or sexuality or race or gender or religion. So yeah, I'm sorry. Obviously I'm going to pay the price."

The departures leave a total of six housemates going into the last full week: Akeem Griffiths, Cian Carrigan, Zoe Jones, Cameron Cole, Brooke Berry and Sîan Hamshaw.

Big Brother will be back on TV on SUNDAY night at 10:30PM with an extended 90 minute episode.